As we transition into the month of April there’s a few new restaurants that have opened, which is keeping things interesting on the local dining scene, but always remember that novelty can also be found by checking out the creative new menus at some of the city’s long-standing fine dining spots. Some of these new menus are available long term, while others are limited time only offers, but they all have one thing in common… they’re delicious!
CLARA
When it comes to fine dining, Clara restaurant is one of those perfect venues that gets everything right – from the food, to the wines, to the romantic atmosphere. Recently, chef Christian Martena and maitre d’ Clara Del Corso-Martena unveiled their new ‘Gourmet 8 Moments’ tasting menu (THB 3,980++), and it’s a sublime pleasure from start to finish. Taken together with an expertly assembled wine pairing (THB 2,480++), curated by sommelier Théo Lavergne – another new addition at the restaurant – it’s an unforgettable culinary journey, with stops along the way that include: white asparagus, egg and caviar; lobster with pumpkin and ginger; a risotto of eel, chamomile, and aged balsamic; and a showstopping cannelloni and morels plate, woven together with the flavours of Frangelico, hazelnut, and cacao. And for dessert, a dainty mix of apple, cinnamon, pine nut, and rhum. Diners are also invited to try the new ‘Discover 7 Moments’ (THB 2,680++) menu, composed of favourite dishes from the past, or choose from a small selection of à la carte items.
clarabangkok.com
NAN BEI
Up on the floor of the Rosewood Bangkok you’ll find Nan Bei, the hotel’s stylish Chinese fine dining restaurant. From now until April 30, Chinese Executive Chef Matthew Geng is paying homage to Sichuan cuisine with a delicious special menu entitled, appropriately, “A Taste of Sichuan”. Known worldwide as one of China’s best-loved regional specialties, Sichuan cooking packs a fiery and bold punch of flavours, as well as fragrant aromas. The tantalizing new Sichuan menu highlight dishes include: White prawn with fragrant sweet and sour sauce and Phuket pineapple; Organic chicken popcorn with dried chilies, crispy rice, and roasted peanuts; Kurobuta pork fillet with Japanese scallops, prawns and Sichuan chili paste; Braised cherry duck with daikon and Sichuan pickled peppers; Snow fish with Nan Bei chili sauce; and Seabass with Sichuan peppers.
rosewoodhotels.com/en/bangkok/dining/nan-bei
MIA
As the seasons change, so too do the menus at many restaurants. At Mia, their all new ‘Taste of Mia’ set menu once again showcases the skill of chefs Top and Michelle in pairing subtle Asian flavours with French techniques. Highlights include a fish course featuring grilled Sakura trout, tender hay-aged smoked duck served with passionfruit and Japanese squash, an unforgettable selection of four delectable bite size amuse bouche starters, and a dessert starring buckwheat and blueberries. This 7-course tasting menu, available in the upstairs ‘Rooms’ section of the two-storey restaurant, is priced at THB 3,650++, although a 5-course version is also available (THB 2,950++), as well as a novel 5 course vegan and vegetarian tasting menu (THB 2,150++). And since vino is an essential part of the ‘Mia experience’ – their cellar boasts more than 140 labels, mostly from France – don’t miss the stellar wine pairing, priced at THB 1,790++ (5 glasses), and THB 990++ (3 glasses).
miarestaurantbkk.com
STAGE
Restaurant Stage recently unveiled ‘Stage 5.0’, the latest seasonal tasting menus from chef-patron Jay Sangsingkeaw and her skilled kitchen team. These new creations take on Asian, European and South American street foods and twist them with premium produce and Stage’s signature playful, modern approach. Some of the not-to-be-missed highlights include: Tuna Tiradito, a raw tuna belly salad served with jalapeno, mango vinaigrette, banana blossom and Asian herb; Bao Bun, served with foie gras, red cabbage, XO sauce, apple and rice puff; and French Tarte Tatin puff pastry served with Granny Smith apple, vanilla ice cream and balsamic caramel. The 5-course tasting menu is THB 1,900++ (wine pairing: 3 glasses at 1,000++), the 7-course tasting menu is THB 2,900++ (wine pairing options: 4 glasses at 1,500++), and the ‘Stage Experience’ 9-course tasting menu is THB 3,900++ (wine pairing: 5 glasses at 2,000++).
restaurant-stage.co
KARMAKAMET CONVEYANCE
Chef Jutamas “Som” Theantae, the creative force behind Karmakamet Conveyance restaurant, recently debuted her long-awaited, new menu. Entitled the ‘Expedition’ Tasting Menu, this 10-course dinner experience is the 3rd tasting menu installment since Karmakamet Conveyance opened in November 2019. Those familiar with chef Som and her restaurant’s ethos should not be surprised to learn that the menu mystery concept has gone one step further than its predecessors by completely foregoing any physical menu and/or any explanation of dishes from the service. All questions diners may have can be posed to the trained team or to chef Som herself after the meal is complete. If you consider yourself a “daring diner” or a “fearless foodie”, then take a chance on this flavourful fantasy. The ‘Expedition’ Tasting Menu is now available and priced at THB 2,490++.
karmakametconveyance.com
ABOUT EATERY
Ask around and you’ll find many people who cite About Eatery as one of their favourite casual yet chic European-style, wine-and-dine spots. This well-loved Italian restaurant and natural wine bar is currently celebrating its milestone 5th anniversary, and that coincides with the launch of their new ‘Modern Trattoria’ menu concept, which puts a focus on seasonal ingredients. Lorenzo Rosso, the new partner and culinary directory, has introduced a revamped menu concept that will present to Bangkok diners never-before-seen pasta shapes, as well as an exciting new charcuterie and cheese corner. Of course, a large portion of About Eatery’s success has to do with restaurant manager and sommelier Giulio Saverino, who is always happy to guide guests through his wide selection of natural, organic and biodynamic wines (the largest selection of orange wine in Thailand is right here!).
abouteatery.com